KUALA LUMPUR: The rights of workers employed by political parties must be upheld, says Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.

He said that this includes a right to be paid a salary, adding that failure to do so will result in stern action.

“Our country has laws and companies – private or public – regardless of state or political party, everyone has to follow the law. Every worker deserves their salary.

Don’t take this lightly as the ministry stands firm in upholding the law,” he said during Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (March 19).

Sim was responding to a question by Aminolhuda Hassan (PH-Sri Gading) who had asked in a supplementary question about the government's efforts to address issues related to an allegation where a PAS-run kindergarten - Pasti - neglected the welfare of their teachers.

Sim said that any employees who were involved in any dispute can visit the Labour Department’s offices for advice and to file complaints.

“Employees are advised to file a case at any Labour offices and these cases will be heard in the Labour Court as stipulated under Section 69 of the Labour Act 1955,” he added.

Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (PN-Alor Setar) questioned the motive behind the Human Resources Ministry's motive behind launching an investigation into Pasti, which he claimed is a voluntary activity for its party members.

“Pasti is a party activity and is voluntary. The teachers are volunteers, there’s no employee-employer activities,” he said.

Sim reiterated that the ministry will be colour blind when it comes to enforcing the law pertaining to workers’ rights.

Early in March, PKR vice president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad called out the Islamist party for underpaying Pasti teachers and not providing them with retirement plans.